Sports Memories by Chuck Anderson

50 years ago: 1967

• Alden defeated Kiester-Bricelyn 8-2 to win the amateur baseball State Line League playoffs two games to one. Winning pitcher Al Lindeman threw a five-hitter and Rick Bishop and Jim Cornick each had two RBIs. Harold Pierce homered for Kiester-Bricelyn. Alden defeated Rake 7-3 in region play.  Jack Olson was the winning pitcher and Al Lindeman hit a home run for Alden. 

• In the first game of the Albert Lea Slowpitch League National Division playoffs, Melody defeated the Elbow Room 12-8. Larry Johnson had four hits and Dan Gerene had three for Melody. Hugh Hall was the winning pitcher. The Elbow Room evened the series at one game a piece after defeating the Melody 19-5. Orlo Willmert hit two home runs and had three hits in three at bats for the Elbow Room. Ron Godtland and Rog Olson also homered for the winners.

25 years ago: 1992

• 15-year-old Donna Boom of Albert Lea was named 1992 Minnesota PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year for girls 15-16 years of age. Donna won the 13-14 age bracket in the 1991 Minnesota PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year.

• Results in the KATE City Open Golf Tournament included the following: champion flight, Steve Petersen; presidential flight, Dick Davies; first, Mark Severson; second, Bill Brekke; third, Jan Olson; fourth, Brian Vogt; fifth, Chuck Lee; sixth, Kyle Werner; seventh, Marv Hockinson; eighth, Terry Cole; ninth, Bill Barber; 10th, J. McLaughin. In the women’s division, Virginia Hanson won the champion flight and Brenda Ludtke won the first flight.

10 years ago: 2007

• The Albert Lea 14-year-old baseball team advanced to the Minnesota state tournament with a record of 24-0 in the South Central League. Team members were Carter Kortan, Cory Hansen, Cole Sorenson, Conner Kortan, Nick Dulas, J.T. Bellrichard, Josh Eisenbraun, Aaron Klatt, David Grand and Jacob Jensen. This was the second year in a row they were undefeated.

• The Minnesota Twins defeated Seattle 6-1 behind Torri Hunter’s grand slam home run and five RBIs. Pat Neshek was the winning pitcher.